PALAWAN, Philippines (24 July 2019) – Philippine Coast Guard together with the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), seized the 5 giant clams onboard MV Palawan Pearl at Port of Limanangcong, Taytay Palawan last Friday afternoon, July 19.

Police Senior Master Sergeant Marvin R Edenden of Municipal Police Station (MPS) Taytay sought the assistance of PCG personnel in Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Limanangcong. Accordingly, giant clams will be boarded to MV Palawan Pearl which is scheduled to depart at 11 PM of July 19 enroute to Manila.

CGSS Limanangcong immediately organized a Marlen team for a conduct of joint operation with MPS Taytay and BFAR Limanangcong and boarded the subject vessel for inspection regarding the said information.

The team coordinated with the captain of the vessel for the conduct of inspection and found three suspicious sacks. The operatives asked the crew of MV Palawan Pearl to open the said sacks and positively found five giant clams.

Investigation revealed that a certain Mr Julito Villacis appeared in the bill of lading while Mr Roland Pastor with unknown residential address as the consignee.

Subsequently, said items were turned over to Taytay MPS and BFAR Limanangcong. Persons involved are now under investigation for eventual criminal and administrative charges for violation of section 102 of RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654 for fishing/taking rare, threatened or endangered species.